A Closer Look at the RIPE Proposal’s Qualifying Practices: Covers on Waste Lagoons

Using covers on waste lagoons (NRCS code 367) for swine and dairy animal feeding operations is one practice that would qualify for payment under the RIPE proposal.

Lagoon covers can reduce emissions and provide additional environmental benefits valued at over $1,000 per animal unit per year.

Farmers who implement lagoon covers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 2.3 metric tons per animal unit for a public value of $121 per AU. They also provide around $900 per animal unit in air quality benefits. 

Cover types included in this methodology: Lid (wood or concrete), tent covering, plastic film, plastic fabrics, expanded clay, expanded polystyrene, plastic tiles, peat, straw cover, and vegetable oil.

Review our methodology and sources for lagoon covers for swine operations here, and for dairy operations here. You can also access our current list of proposed qualifying practices here.